To play with fire and get burned; to bring disaster upon oneself by engaging in risky or harmful activities; to suffer the consequences of one's own dangerous actions.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Antonym:
Story:
During the Spring and Autumn period, Gongzi Zhouyu of the State of Wey murdered his brother, Duke Huan of Wey, to usurp the throne. He then tried to rally states like Song, Chen, and Cai to jointly attack the State of Zheng.
Duke Yin of Lu asked Minister Zhong Zhong for his opinion on the matter. Zhong Zhong replied that such a cruel person would eventually be abandoned by all, and using military force was like playing with fire; without restraint, one would surely burn oneself.
Indeed, not long after, the people of Wey, with the help of the State of Chen, killed Zhouyu.